A/N: Hey all! I've got a couple of reviews to answer before I start:

vickiicky: I assumed that the Hogwarts population would have enough experience with Marauder Duels to stay clear whenever one takes place. I guess that could explain why there seemed not be anyone else around. That, or maybe they all made a circle around the dueling pair, like you see on TV. I felt really bad for Lily too when I wrote it, but unfortunately, things get worse in this chapter. Don't worry, they get better pretty fast!

krissygurl: Why do you think it's unrealistic? I just wanted them to get together soon...

Anzu-chan: I fervently agree. I don't like that sort of angsty romance, either.

And now, on with the fluff!!!!!!! PS: I will update at 35 reviews!!! Please review!
Ch. 9 Dueling Mishaps

"Can you stand Lils?" James asked, gently.

"I-I don't know." James pulled her gently to her feet. She stumbled and nearly fell, but James caught her in his strong arms.

She was too dizzy from loss of blood to walk. After thinking a moment, James bent down and scooped Lily up into his arms. Lily put her arms around James' neck and buried her face into his shoulder, trying not to let anyone see that she was crying. The pain in her head was sharp and stinging, and she felt sickly, as though she might faint again. She accidentally let a small sob escape her.

"It's alright, Lily." James murmured, soothingly. " You'll be alright. I'm right here, honey. Just hold on to me. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again."

When they reached the Hospital Wing, Madame Pomfrey took one glance at Lily and said,
"Set her down immediately, Potter!" James placed her in one of the small whit beds lining the Hospital Wing. Madame Pomfrey gave Lily a potion to relieve the pain. Lily gave James a sort of wry half-smile. James glanced at his watch.

"I've gotta go, Lils," he said." I'll be back in a few minutes." James saw that Madame Pomfrey had her back turned and leaned down to kiss his little flower. "Lilyflower." He murmured

"Hmm?"

"That's what I'm gonna start calling you. Lilyflower." Lilly smiled faintly as he kissed her. "I love you," he whispered in her ear.

" I love you too," Lily replied softly.

James had five minutes to get to McGonagall's office, three floors above. He ducked into a secret passage and reached the office in two.

"How is she?" Sirius asked the moment James stepped into the office.

"Is Lily alright?" Remus inquired.

"I'm sure," said McGonagall, "that we are all curious as to what Ms. Evans' condition is. So, if you'll sit down, Mr. Potter, You can tell us all how she is doing." James sat.

"She has a concussion," he said slowly," but Madame Pomfrey says she'll be alright. The potion she's making has to stew overnight. In the meantime, she's performed a charm to stop the wound from bleeding."

"What's Lily getting for the pain?" Remus interrupted. Lily was like a sister to him. He didn't want her to be in any pain.

" Pomfrey's got her on an hourly potion to stop it from hurting. She was still feeling a bit faint when I left her, but Madame Pomfrey says she'll be allowed back to Gryfindor Tower sometime tomorrow. It might be a day or so before she can get back to classes, though."

"Good, good, good," Snape said coldly." We're all glad your little mudblood's alright." James stood so fast that his chair flew over backwards. Sirius and Remus, who had been sitting on either side of him, stood and grabbed his arms to prevent him from flying at Snape.

"Sit down, Prongs! He's not worth it." Sirius hissed in his ear. James pulled free of their grasp and used his wand to pull his chair upright. He sat down again.

" That will be a further twenty points from Slytherin for use of foul language." McGonagall said coldly." Now, you shall each receive a detention this Saturday afternoon. Yes, I am aware that this is a Hogsmeade weekend, but-" She broke off suddenly staring at James. "IS THERE SOMEWHERE YOU NEED TO BE MR. POTTER!!!???" James had looked at his watch for at least the seventh time since entering her office and clearly wasn't paying attention to a word she said.

"My fiancée is in the Hospital Wing with a head wound." James said evenly." Of course there's somewhere I need to be!" McGonagall stared at him. In nearly seven years at Hogwarts, she had never seen James so upset about a dueling injury (and James had seen his share of dueling injuries!)

"Yes. Right then," she said slowly." We'll finish up then. Mr. Potter, as you were already on probation for your position Mr. Lupin will replace you as Head Boy. As you have also been caught dueling Mr. Lupin, you will be placed on immediate probation for your badge. Notes will be sent to each of you via Owl Post regarding the time and place of you detentions. You may all go."

James was out of the office before she finished the sentence. The other three Maurauders ran to catch up with him.

"Mind if we tag along?" Remus asked kindly. James merely nodded. He didn't care much about anything except getting to Lily as fast as possible.

A/N: Hooray another chappie finished! Now, as I go soak my type-cramped fingers in warm water I want everyone to leave me a nice long review. I'll give you a cookie! Please! 35 reviews in all and I'll update.
smooches!
Lyny Angell